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Chapter 4: New Zealand Greenshell™ Mussels

New Zealand Greenshell Mussels are grown in the cool, crystal clear waters of New Zealand’s coastline in farms where the conditions are ideal for quality mussels. They are native to New Zealand and have a unique green coloured shell that earns them their name. However, they closely resemble other Perna species found in the waters of the Southern Hemisphere. The flesh of the female is a soft-blush apricot colour, and the male a rich pale creamy colour but they both have the same distinctive flavour and plumpness.

The mussel farms grow the mussels from spat (baby mussels less than 1cm long) on long ropes that hang vertically in the water. The mussel farmers harvest them only when the mussels have reached optimum size and maturity. This can take between 15 to 24 months if conditions are good. The average size is around 100mm but they can grow as large as 230mm.

Greenshell Mussels grow wild also and are found in low tidal to subtidal, areas around New Zealand but mainly in warmer waters.

Greenshell Mussels are a great source of nutrition and contain protein and Omega 3 oils plus an assortment of vitamins and minerals, especially iron. They actually contain more iron than the equivalent amount of red meat.